CHICAGO — Harbor (harborpicturecompany.com) has opened a new studio in the heart of Chicago. The move establishes the post production company’s presence in the city, which is known for its influential advertising market.
Harbor Chicago will offer a range of post production services, including creative editorial, color/finishing, sound, VO recording and casting, VFX and design. Overseeing the new location at 358 W. Ontario St. is executive producer Casey Swircz, formerly of the Mill and Carbon. Executive creative director Chris Hellman, formerly of Crewcuts and Homestead, will curate Harbor’s roster of editors across automotive, comedy, visual storytelling, beauty, fashion, documentary, mixed-media, Spanish-language and kids-audience advertising. Additional talent includes CDs Oisín O’Driscoll, head of color, and Steve Perski, sound. The studio’s VFX creative directors include Kyle Cody, Anne Trotman, Andrew Granelli, Alex Candlish and David Soto, who lead a global team of VFX and design artists focusing on CG, 2D and motion design.
Photo (L-R): Oisín O’Driscoll and Casey Swircz
Harbor opened in 2012 and has existing operations in New York, Los Angeles, London and Atlanta. Since launching the new location, the Chicago team has delivered projects for Tide (Lucky Jersey), Levi’s (Precious Cargo) and Goldfish (Tiny Hands).
"Opening a studio in Chicago is a significant milestone for Harbor,” explains Zak Tucker, founder and CEO of Harbor. “It allows us to be closer to our clients and collaborators in this vibrant advertising capital, providing them with convenient access to our world-class artistry. Moreover, Chicago's storied history in the advertising world inspires us, and we are truly honored to contribute to the city's creative legacy."